Update

There is now a new survey available which will stay open throughout the duration of the trial to help understand how it is going - please tell us what you think is working and anything you feel isn't working (survey link below).

Thank you to everyone who participated in this idea consultation. We received 68 survey responses as well as many individual submissions and conversations. The consultation report is now available in the document folder or click here. This report formed part of the information being provided to Council to help inform their decision on the trial. This proposed triail was strongly supported by the community with 85% agreeing with the proposed change.

The decision was made at the meeting held on 11 December 2023 and the council decision was in support of the proposed change and trial. This will mean the Greyhound Off-Leash Exercise Area and Vulnerable Dogs Area Trial has gone ahead and opened in early March. We hope you enjoy using the space.

One of the very first happy users of the new area:

There are new signs clearly identifying each of the new areas and permitted uses.

Some new features:

- There are new water points

- new vulnerable dog area

- new greyhound off lead area

This is a trial for 12 months and please fill out the very short poll survey to share your experiences.

Background

Consultation closed on Friday, 10 November 2023.

The trial is due to begin in late-2023, but before we set a start date we want to talk to the community (and particularly the people and their dogs who use South Street Reserve) about the trial and get your feedback.

Council also needs make formal declarations that set the rules about the exercise areas in South Street Reserve to allow the trial to take place, so we are also inviting written submissions and feedback the proposed changes to the declared areas at South Street under the Dog Control Act 2000.

You can find maps of the proposed trial area and changes to the declared areas in South Street Reserve below, and in the Documents section on the right. We've also provided some Frequently Asked Questions which give more information.

Proposed Changes to Declared Areas

The proposed trial area and changes to declared areas at South Street Reserve are set out in the maps below:

You can also download a copy of the plan in the Documents section on the right.

Trial period

The proposed off-leash greyhound area trial will take up part of the southern fenced area of the reserve (see map). We are also proposing to have a dedicated area specifically designated for 'vulnerable dogs' which are dogs (dogs which are old, small or recovering from injury or illness).

All other parts of the reserve will continue to be available for off-lead dog exercise at the same times they currently are, meaning the trial will not impact the ability of other people (and their dogs) to use the area.

Improved signage will also be installed, as well as other minor upgrades to improve the area for everyone who uses it. The trial will provide us with valuable data and information to use when planning for a permanent facility and will also provide safe space for greyhounds to play and interact before the end of 2023.

For further information about the trial, contact Council’s Team Leader Open Space and Recreation, Bryn Hannan, on 6217 9520 or bhannan@ccc.tas.gov.au.

Next steps

Council will consider all the feedback received on the proposed trial and determine if and how it should proceed. If there are no significant changes required to the proposed design, we will aim to begin carry out the required work at the site and begin the trial before the end of 2023.

If the trial goes ahead, we will seek ongoing feedback from the community during the trial. Further information will be provided prior to the trial commencing.

Take our survey

The pre-trial survey was open until Friday, 10 November 2023. A second survey is now open for the duration of the trial to let us know how it is going (see below)

CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

Off-Leash Greyhound Area Trial - Community Survey

Clarence City Council is proposing to conduct a 12-month trial of designating a special off-lead exercise area for greyhounds, using part of South Street Reserve in Bellerive. The trial will provide a dedicated area where for Greyhounds to safely and lawfully be exercised off-leash, while also providing valuable information and data to inform our future planning for dog exercise areas in Clarence.

Thank you for taking part in this survey about the potential 12-Month Off-Lead Greyhound Area Trial and Declared Area Changes at South Street Reserve.

The survey should take no longer than 2-5 minutes to complete, depending on your answers. We will ask couple of structured questions then provide an opportunity to share your reasons. Lastly, we will ask a few general questions about you.

We are looking for frank and honest answers. We assure you that your responses will be kept strictly confidential and data will be reported in an aggregated form that will not identify you.